Medieval turquoise trinity ring in gold silver and bronze

Code: 11341

This is an unusual medieval gold finger ring, dating to the 15th - 16th century A.D. It is set with the original turquoise gemstone (though loose in the bezel). The hoop is decorated with three metals, gold, silver, and bronze twisted together. The bezel cusped around the edge is rubbed over the gemstone, this has dropped from the original fixing of plaster which has deteriorated in the ground. Turquoise was believed to protect riders from falling off horses as well as other magical uses in healing. The three metals likely represent the Trinity and were used for its apotropaic qualities. 

Today the ring has survived in excavated condition, intact through the bronze has degraded in the ground so would be hard to wear without causing damage. Thus, more ideal for museum display or research.

OBJECT: Finger ring

CULTURE:  Medieval

DATE: c. 1420 - 1520 A.D.

MATERIAL: Gold, silver, and bronze, the gem natural turquoise.

RING SIZE:    4 1/2  (US)     I 1/2 (UK)

SIZE: 19.35mm x 19.92mm x 2.16mm (bezel 8.58mm x 7.41mm x 3.29mm) 

WEIGHT:  1.79 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. European Private Collection. Bruges. Belgium.